BUILD Cheapest way to build a FREENAS?

[finsfree]

Ok, my first FREENAS build was a bust (using old computer parts I had laying around) but I did get formulator with the software. Every time I ran into an issue I would post the issue in this forum which was an open recipe to tell me I'm idiot for not reading the documentation. I get it!

Whether I buy a system or build for the ground up what would be the cheapest way to go? With being a father and work, I really don't have time to research all of the hardware details? I wanting a lease 3 or 4 bays with the OS installed on a USB stick.

It seems like this software really needs server grade components for ZFS to work efficiently. I tried looking at NEWEGG.com for a motherboard that supports ECC memory, but all I found was server motherboards. So, I guess building a SUPER workstation with gobs of memory is OUT:(

Thanks

 

[alexg]

Look at my signature line. Lenovo TS140 and additional 8GB of ECC memory was my budget build.

 

[Ericloewe]

The cheapest system you can build is something like:

Supermicro X10SLL-F
Intel G3220
8GB Crucial RAM from the QVL (check the link in my signature for detail)
Seasonic G-360
A decent case of your choosing

Plus the drives, obviously.

 

[Fraoch]

It seems like this software really needs server grade components for ZFS to work efficiently. I tried looking at NEWEGG.com for a motherboard that supports ECC memory, but all I found was server motherboards. So, I guess building a SUPER workstation with gobs of memory is OUT:(

I'm a bit confused by this statement. You (correctly) say that FreeNAS requires server-grade components, yet when you search for ECC (I.e. server-grade components) the search returns server-grade components...server motherboards. Umm...that's what was supposed to happen? :)

Also a super workstation with gobs of memory will cost as much or more than a capable FreeNAS server. So spend less and get proper components too.

Anyway about the lowest-priced proper FreeNAS server would be a Supermicro X10SLL-F with 2 X 4 GB of Crucial ECC memory and a Pentium G3220, WD Green hard drives tweaked with WDIDLE, a 16 GB USB key, a 350 W or so Seasonic bronze PSU and a case like the Fractal Design Arc Mini.

Edit: ninja'ed by Eric with almost exactly the same components. ;)

 

[marbus90]

If you're bugdet constrained, go the Lenovo TS140/TS440, Dell T20, HP Microserver Gen8 route - just add HDDs and some 8GB ECC DIMMs, instant cheap FreeNAS server.

 

[Ericloewe]

I've found the Seasonic S12Gs to be nearly as expensive as the G-series, typically.

 

[DJABE]

Cheaper way would be AMD + Asus MoBo + ECC. But you never really know if that ECC actually works or not...

If you don't want to risk, go for a SuperMicro - I'm on X10 series too ( model SLM-F) with 2 x 8 GB of Crucial memory alongside WD RED's...

Also, regarding PSU, I'm on Cooler Master (efficiency level: Platinum tested, but certified as Gold)

• Unique 3D circuit design offers high efficiency and improves the heat dissipation. It reduces the unnecessary cables which results in much lower crosstalk, signal noise and improves airflow
• Powerful Single +12V rail for superior load balancing and VGA compatibility
• Modular cable designs for better cable management
• Japanese capacitor ensures an extended lifetime and excellent holdup times, in case of power fluctuation.
• Custom DC-DC module design offers higher efficiency and voltage stability
• 80 PLUS Gold certified: up to 92% efficiency @ typical load

 

[josecuervo]

I really want to build this but I also want my FreeNAS to be sleek and sexy and sit nicely on the desk like a Synology. Is this impossible?

 

[cyberjock]

I really want to build this but I also want my FreeNAS to be sleek and sexy and sit nicely on the desk like a Synology. Is this impossible?

Nope. Just buy a FreeNAS Mini.

 

[josecuervo]

Nope. Just buy a FreeNAS Mini.

I forgot to mention "and sub $600" lol

 

[cyberjock]

Then you buy a Synology.

Synology runs their own proprietary hardware and software. You're paying for that kind of flexibility (and potential lack of reliability) by going that route. ;)

You know the saying.. if you want a Ford, you buy a Ford. You don't buy a Chevy if you want a Ford. ;)

 

[finsfree]

Look at my signature line. Lenovo TS140 and additional 8GB of ECC memory was my budget build.

So far this is the best choice at $329.99 (added memory to make it 16GB ECC but NO drivers...I have something that will get me by for now). Only down fall is you would have to upgrade the CPU (i7-4770 Quad Core) to support RAID 5 and that's a $250.00 hit:(

Thanks for all the help

 

[Fraoch]

I really want to build this but I also want my FreeNAS to be sleek and sexy and sit nicely on the desk like a Synology. Is this impossible?

Have you seen the Fractal Design Node 804? :)

 

[finsfree]

The cheapest system you can build is something like:

Supermicro X10SLL-F
Intel G3220
8GB Crucial RAM from the QVL (check the link in my signature for detail)
Seasonic G-360
A decent case of your choosing

Plus the drives, obviously.

alexg has got you beat by about $142.00

Thanks for the help though:)

 

[Fraoch]

So far this is the best choice at $329.99 (added memory to make it 16GB ECC but NO drivers...I have something that will get me by for now). Only down fall is you would have to upgrade the CPU (i7-4770 Quad Core) to support RAID 5 and that's a $250.00 hit:(

Thanks for all the help

You can't go with a Core i7, those don't support ECC. You have to go with a Pentium, a Core i3 or a Xeon.

There's no RAID5 with ZFS. But your choice of RAID level does not dictate your choice of CPU - the entry-level Pentium G3220 will easily support all RAID levels.

Go Pentium for basic file sharing and one transcoding stream (if you do use your FreeNAS to transcode using Plex, that is.)

Go Core i3 if you want encryption and need to transcode a couple of streams.

Go Xeon if you want encryption and need to transcode 4+ streams or need to serve files simultaneously to many users.

 

[finsfree]

You can't go with a Core i7, those don't support ECC. You have to go with a Pentium, a Core i3 or a Xeon.

There's no RAID5 with ZFS. But your choice of RAID level does not dictate your choice of CPU - the entry-level Pentium G3220 will easily support all RAID levels.

Go Pentium for basic file sharing and one transcoding stream (if you do use your FreeNAS to transcode using Plex, that is.)

Go Core i3 if you want encryption and need to transcode a couple of streams.

Go Xeon if you want encryption and need to transcode 4+ streams or need to serve files simultaneously to many users.

Ok, this looks like the best choice then and staying with the Core i3 http://cukusa.com/lenovo-thinkserve...c&utm_campaign=shopping&utm_content=S-LE-0001

p.s. sorry about last post I meant to say "No hard drives"

 

[Fraoch]

A Core i3-4130 would be fine. Enjoy!

 

[alexg]

Check on Amazon. It was cheaper by few dollars and with prime membership you can get it in 2 days.

 

[josecuervo]

Is this the right RAM to buy for the TS140? Are there better options?

amazon.com/Crucial-PC3-12800-Unbuffered-240-Pin-CT51272BD160B/dp/B006YG9EK6/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1421755745&sr=1-2&keywords=4+GB+PC3-12800E+1600MHz+DDR3+ECC-UDIMM+UDIMM

 

[gpsguy]

I always buy my RAM direct from Crucial. For example: http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Lenovo/thinkserver-ts140